At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own client accounts and provide practical HR solutions.
- Company: Cottrell Moore, a trusted HR consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible hybrid work, and career development.
- Other info: Join a small, expert team with varied and interesting work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping businesses navigate HR challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR consulting and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Ipswich
Salary: £40- £45k DOE plus bonuses
About the role
If your instinct is to reach for the policy handbook first and ask questions later, this probably isn't the right fit. If you get a buzz from helping a business owner work through a tricky people situation and finding a practical way forward - read on.
Cottrell Moore is an 18-year-old UK-wide HR and recruitment consultancy. We work with SMEs across a wide range of sectors as their outsourced HR team, trusted recruitment partner, and people strategy advisor. Our clients, typically directors and business owners, come to us because we give them straight answers, not lengthy caveats.
We're looking for an HR Consultant to join our small, high-performing team. You'll take on your own client accounts, handle a varied caseload of ER, recruitment, and HR advisory work, and help us continue to deliver the kind of commercially grounded, genuinely useful HR support that our clients have relied on for nearly two decades.
What we offer
- Performance bonus linked to client satisfaction scores - rewarding the quality of relationships you build, not just the hours you put in
- Office-based in Ipswich for your first couple of months so you can learn how we work - then a genuinely flexible hybrid arrangement
- A small, expert team where your work is visible and valued
- Varied, interesting work - no two client days are the same
- The opportunity to develop across the full people agenda: HR, recruitment, and L&D
- Direct access to the founder and the chance to grow with the business
What you'll be doing
- Managing your own portfolio of SME clients as their day-to-day HR contact
- Advising directly on employee relations, performance, absence, and employment law
- Working closely with the recruitment team - with the opportunity to develop assessment skills
- Drafting and reviewing contracts, policies, letters, and HR documentation
- Handling complex or sensitive casework (disciplinaries, grievances, TUPE, restructures) with confidence
- Working closely with the Director and the wider team to share knowledge and develop your skills
- Occasionally attending client sites across Suffolk and the UK
Requirements
Essential
- A proven generalist with experience advising business owners or Directors directly - not just internal HR departments
- Commercially minded: you understand that HR decisions have a real business cost and you advise accordingly
- Confident communicator who can deliver difficult messages clearly and without hiding behind jargon
- Solutions-first mindset - your instinct is to find a way through, not a reason to stop
- Warm, personable, and trusted by clients - relationships matter as much as expertise
- Comfortable with ambiguity and capable of making sound judgments with incomplete information
Desirable
- CIPD qualified (Level 5 or above) or equivalent - valued, but not a deal-breaker if commercial mindset and experience are strong
- Background in consultancy or SME HR rather than large corporate environments
- Experience across a range of sectors
- Familiarity with psychometric assessment tools
- Own transport - you'll occasionally need to visit clients
We're advertising across multiple channels and reviewing applications on a rolling basis. If this sounds like you, please don't wait.
Locations
Human Resources Consultant in Ipswich, Suffolk employer: COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED
Cottrell Moore is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and dynamic work environment in Ipswich, where HR Consultants can thrive. With a focus on employee growth, our small, expert team offers direct access to leadership, performance bonuses linked to client satisfaction, and a flexible hybrid working arrangement after initial training. Join us to engage in varied, meaningful work that truly impacts SMEs across the UK, while building strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Consultant in Ipswich, Suffolk
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Consultant in Ipswich, Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact COTTRELL MOORE LIMITED and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
